Cross-category friendship patterns: Comparison of heterosexual and sexual minority adults

Abstract

Using comparative methodology, Galupo’s analyses with sexual minorities were replicated with heterosexual participants allowing for a comparison of close friendship patterns across sexual orientation, sex, and race. Participants completed a questionnaire reporting basic demographic information about themselves and their close friends. Heterosexual women and men primarily developed friendships of similarity, with relatively few friendships experienced in a cross-orientation (5.50%), cross-sex (28.06%), or cross-race (17.11%) context. In contrast, bisexual women and men reported more cross-orientation (79.55%), cross-sex (32.99%), and cross-race (23.13%) friendships. Likewise, lesbians and gay men reported cross-orientation (53.03%) cross-sex (23.73%), and cross-race (25.77%) friendships. Sexual orientation, sex, and race interacted in complex ways in shaping friendship patterns. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of feminist intersectional theory.

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